A cartwheel is a sideways rotation where your hands and then feet touch down in a line, turning your body like a wheel. It builds on balance, arm strength, and committing to the movement. This guide breaks the motion into manageable parts for a first cartwheel.
What you'll need
- A soft, open surface such as grass or a mat
- Comfortable clothing
Step by step
- Warm up firstDo a few minutes of light movement and gentle stretches for your wrists, shoulders, and legs to prepare for the load.
- Set your starting stanceStand sideways to your line of travel with your stronger leg forward and arms raised overhead.
- Reach and place your handsLunge onto your front leg and place your hands on the ground one after the other along a straight line.
- Kick your legs overPush off your back foot and kick your legs up and over your head, keeping them fairly straight.
- Pass through the handstandLet your body move through an upside-down position with your weight momentarily on your hands.
- Land one foot at a timeBring your legs down in sequence to finish standing, facing the opposite direction from where you started.
Handy tips
- Imagine placing hands and feet along a straight line to keep the cartwheel from curving.
- Commit to the kick; hesitating partway through makes it harder to get over.
- Practice on a soft surface until the movement feels controlled and confident.
Heads up
- If you have wrist, shoulder, neck, or back problems, check with a medical professional first, since a cartwheel puts weight on your hands and inverts your body.
FAQ
What if I am scared to go upside down?
Start by practicing kicking up into a supported handstand against a wall to get used to being inverted, then build toward the full rotation.
Which side should I cartwheel to?
Lead with whichever side feels stronger and more natural. Most people favor one direction, and it is fine to stick with it.
Do I need to be very flexible?
Not especially. Basic arm strength, balance, and confidence matter more than deep flexibility for a beginner cartwheel.